Pass-happy Prestonsburg football duo sets state records

Jarredd Jarrell and Bryson Williams of Prestonsburg were a pass-happy, record-setting duo on Friday night.

Jarrell, a sophomore quarterback, completed 18 of 27 passes for a state-record 676 yards and nine touchdowns in the Blackcats' 83-49 victory over Pike County Central.

Jarrell broke the state record of 652 yards set by Dylan Beasley of Nelson County just two weeks ago. Beasley's performance was one yard better than the old mark set by Jesse Watts of Sheldon Clark in 1991.

Jarrell's nine TD throws tied the state record.

Never miss a local story.

Sign up today for a free 30 day free trial of unlimited digital access.

Williams, a senior receiver and son of former University of Kentucky standout Brian Williams, had eight catches for a state-record 357 yards and five TDs. Patrick West of Franklin-Simpson had the old receiving mark of 325 yards, set in 2002.

"The thing about it was, it wasn't a blow-out game," Prestonsburg Coach John DeRossett said. "It was a seven to 14-point game most of the night, so it wasn't like we were running up the score.

"We couldn't run the ball, but we've got athletes on the perimeter so we were throwing it to them."

The 5-foot-10, 155-pound Jarrell threw for 950 yards and seven TDs in the Blackcats' first four games before putting up huge numbers against Pike Central.

Williams wasn't Jarrell's only target. Grant Anderson had five catches for 206 yards and four TDs. Adam Griffith and Alex Kidd combined for five catches and 113 yards.

"It was just one of those things when you get hot," DeRossett said. "We got hot at the right time and everything seemed to be clicking."

The 5-11, 180-pound Williams had his record-setting night in front of his dad.

Brian Williams, who played at UK for Jerry Claiborne in the mid-1980s, is defensive coordinator at Texas A&M Commerce under former UK Coach Guy Morriss.

"Brian came in for the game and was on the sidelines," DeRossett said. "He ate afterward with the team. It was nice."

DeRossett was aware that Jarrell was within striking distance of the record midway through the fourth quarter, and he asked Jarrell if he'd like a shot at it.

"He told us it didn't matter to him," DeRossett said. "That's the kind of guy he is."

After a couple of running plays, Prestonsburg faced third down, and DeRossett called for a pass, and Jarrell shattered the record.

Pike Central did its best to keep up on the scoreboard.

Hawks' quarterback Mac Justice completed 26 of 35 passes for 492 yards and three TDs. He also ran for 73 yards and a score.

Brad Elkins had six catches for 189 yards, and Wes Pugh had six catches for 136 yards.

The teams combined for 1,536 yards. Prestonsburg's 850 yards were 14 shy of the state record.

Blackcats' kicker Jon Stidham was 11-for-11 on extra points, second most PAT's in a game in state history.

Prestonsburg and Pike Central will get a chance to light up the scoreboard again when they have a rematch in the regular-season finale on Oct. 26.